Lulu’s Virtual Tour of Ireland. Final Stop -Dublin City!

Hi Everyone. So here we are at our final stop on our Virtual Tour of Ireland. 32 weeks ago, we began this journey together as the world went into lockdown. To say that the past months have been challenging is an understatement and I sincerely hope that you and yours are keeping safe and well as we all continue to adjust to this ever-changing world we find ourselves in.

I must say that writing this blog each week has been a truly rewarding experience. It has been so satisfying to share this journey with The Irish Store community and your kind and generous feedback and continued support has been truly heart-warming and very much appreciated. I can’t thank you all enough.

So here we are at our final stop. Although County Dublin has a wealth of gems to enjoy, I’ve decided to stay in Dublin city for our last trip. It’s both my home town and the home of The Irish Store so obviously the capital holds a very special place in my heart. And I miss it. I miss the hustle and bustle that once was as I’m sure we all do in some way, no matter where we are. So here’s some of my favorite Dublin highlights in no particular order and here’s hoping my beloved home town will be back to its former glory in the not too distant future.

Dublin City Highlights

1. Dublin Castle

We begin at the impressive Dublin Castle in the heart of the city. Although most of the buildings we see today date back to the 18th century, there has been a castle on this site since 1204. It was the seat of British power until 1922. Today it houses many major government offices and is a very popular tourist attraction. Wonderful guided tours are on offer and it also houses the Chester Beatty Library which has been hailed as one of the best museums in Europe.

2. The Little Museum of Dublin

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to museums in the capital but this one is an absolute gem. The Little Museum of Dublin opened it’s doors in 2011 and has quickly become one of the capital’s top tourist attractions. The Irish Times described it as “the best museum experience in Dublin”. The museum is located in a  stunning Georgian house on St. Stephens Green and charts the history of our capital, featuring key events such the 1916 Rising and the JFK visit. 

3. Trinity College

So next up we’re going to take a stroll around the impressive grounds of Trinity College. I just love taking a walk here. Even though it’s right in heart of the city center, you feel like you’re stepping back in time when you walk through its gates. The campus covers some 47 acres and dates back to 1592. Former students include Oscar Wilde, Johnathon Swift and Samuel Beckett. Of course it is also the home of one of Ireland’s greatest treasures, The Book of Kells which is displayed in the stunning Old Library.

4. Christchurch Cathedral

Time to step way back in time as we make a visit to Dublin’s oldest building. We are now in the heart of medieval Dublin at the Viking Settlement just above Wood Quay. The first cathedral on this site was erected circa 1028. In the 19th century, major renovations took place to restore much of the original medieval Gothic design. The main attraction here is the impressive Dublinia exhibition charting Dublin’s medieval past. The 12th century crypt is deliciously spooky and there you will find a mummified cat and rat duo, known locally as Tom and Gerry! 

5. Phoenix Park

And so we end our Dublin journey in the peace and tranquility of Dublin’s gorgeous Phoenix Park. The park covers some 1750 acres with an 11 km perimeter wall. This makes it the largest enclosed public park in any capital city in Europe. Here you will find the residence of The President of Ireland (Áras an Uachtaráin ) while it is also home to Dublin’s Zoological Gardens. The park began life as a royal hunting ground in the 1660s and was opened to the public in 1747. A large herd of fallow deer (pictured) thrive to this day.

So there we end our Virtual Tour. Once again, thank you so much for your virtual company on the road. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. Of course this is only the end of this particular leg of our journey. I’ll be back next week with some exciting new additions to our Winter Collection and very soon I’ll be taking you on a very special Wild Atlantic Way road trip to meet some of our favorite makers!

Until next time….

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu